Chapter 6: Shadows of Rebellion

The air in the room was thick with scent of sweat and blood. Akin took a deep breathe as he stood over Daemon, who had long been lifeless. He still held his sword hilt in one hand, but its weight felt heavier now. It was over; the man who had betrayed his father, his family, and the kingdom now lay dead before him. But the victory felt hollow.

The men who had fought by his side were around him, catching their breath as they leaned against the walls or kneeled on the ground.

Captain Jarek, though limping and covered in blood and grime, approached Akin, pushing the sweat from his eyes. "The palace is secure, for the moment, my lord. But Daemon's forces will notice his absence soon enough. We need to be prepared for the retaliation."

Akin nodded, his mind still racing from the intensity of the battle. "You're right. We can'tafford to stay here for long. We need to find my father. I'm sure he is in the palace somewhere.

Jarek nodded and signaled for several soldiers to start searching through the nearby rooms. The place was lavish and grand, but it had taken on the dead atmosphere of a tomb, where the beauty of its halls were now stained with treason and death. Akin could feel the weight of the place pressing down on him. This was no longer a thriving kingdom, but a battleground for it's survival.

As the soldiers sweep through the palace, Garrick approached Akin with a look of worry on his face. "My lord… what happens now?"

Akin turned towards the young soldier, seeing the fear in his eyes. Garrick, like so many of the men who had fought for him, was young, and though he was brave, he had not encountered what true victory during war meant or how fleeting it really can be.

"Garrick we will stabilise the capital," Akin said, trying to project confidence. "There will be chaos for a time, yes. But we can't let Daemon's death be for nothing. And we do need to act urgently to restore order. First, we find my father. Whatever happens after that, then we take it from there."

Garrick nodded, his expression hardening. "Understood, my lord."

Akin was about to give some new orders, when a shout came from down the hall. One of the soldiers ran towards Akin, gasping. "My lord! We've found the general!"

Akin felt his heart rise into his throat. Without a further word he took off running down the hallway after the soldier as they weaved through the tunnels of the palace. He had to keep going — he had a father waiting at the other end of this one last sprint, his knees nearly buckling as they turned jelly beneath him and his heart pounding with intensity.

Eventually they reached a small dark room hidden in the depths of the palace. Akin saw him, Thorian Valion—the Legendary Warlord-General of Elaris—in the flesh, alive and breathing, although his face was creased as he rested against a wooden bench inside. His arm was bandaged, and a healer stood next to him, rubbing salves into a long gash along his side.

"Father!" Akin burst into the room and went on his knees before the man he had idolised all his life.

Thorian raised his head, his eyes glimmering with a combination of shock and relief. "Akin…" His voice was hoarse, stretched tight but still held power within. "You came."

"Of course, I came," Akin replied, his voice thick with emotion.

Thorian gave a weak smile. "You've grown, boy. I can see it in your eyes. The fire… the resolve. Your mother was right about you."

Shaking his head, Akin felt a tightness in his chest. "We have dealt with Daemon, Father. He's dead. But his men — his forces still hold parts of the capital. We need to act quickly to restore order."

Thorian nodded slowly, his hand resting on Akin's shoulder. "You've done well, my son. But there's more to be done. Daemon and his treachery has spread further than we thought... It's not just him. The Others… There are others who want to see this kindgdom fall. We need to be ready."

Akin the swallowed hard, and his mind racing. "Who else? How deep does this go?"

Thorian's face darkened. "Several of the noble families have aligned themselves with Daemon's cause. They see my rule as too rigid, too uncompromising. Long story short; they want power for themselves. Daemon was just their spearhead.There's more to this rebellion than what we've seen."

The weight of hia father's words settled over Akin like a heavy cloak. Daemon's death was just the beginning of a much larger, more dangerous conflict. The rebellion had not been a mere power struggle –it was the fate of Elaris itself.

Akin rose, his resolve strengthened. "Then we fight them. We reclaim the capital, and we exterminate every single of those cowards who have sided with Daemon. We will not allow them to tear this kingdom apart."

Thorian smiled again, though it was a weary and tired smile. "You spoke like a true Valion. But be careful, Akin. These are not sword fights alone, they are battles fought with words, fought in shadows and filled with cunning and schemes. How you navigate the situation will be the thing that determines your fate."

Akin nodded. His father was right. It wasn't just about brute force, this was a matter of strategy, diplomacy, and cunning. And he had to show that he was not just a fighter. He had to demonstrate that he was smart and strong enough to lead.

"We will start by securing the capital." Akin said. "Once we secure the capital, we will gather the nobles who are still loyal to us… Our success will require their cooperation to clean up the rest of the rebellion."

Thorian leaned back against the wall, shutting his eyes for a brief moment. "You have my trust, Akin. I know you'lldo what's right. But be cautious. The are many who wear the face of friendship but holds dagger behind them."

"Go now, my son. I leave you to quell the rebellion and restore order." His father said as he closed his eyes to rest. Akin nodded slowly, and stood up to leave.

The warning echoed in Akin's head as he left the room returning to his men. Jarek stood in the corridor, looking pleased. "Your father?"

"He is alive," Akin sighed, and the relief was clear in his voice. "But the situation is severe than we thought. Daemon wasn't the only one. There are some nobles who have aligned themselves with him. This rebellion is deeper than we thought."

Jarek cursed under his breath. "That complicates things."

"Indeed," Akin agreed. "But we still have the upper hand. Daemon forces are without a leader now, and the palace is secured. We must move fast before any of his allies are able to regroup."

Jarek nodded. "What's the plan?"

Akin stopped, his thoughts churning through the possibilities. "We will split the men into two teams. One will take the city's main gates, the barracks and the main streets. The other is to be deployed to the noble districts to flush out any traitors left alive. We need to send a clear message that this rebellion will not stand."

Jarek smirked. "I'll take the streets. I have always liked a good brawl."

Akin couldn't help but smile. "Yes, I had a feeling you would say that."

The two men clasped forearms, and Jarek went to gather his soldiers. Meanwhile, Akin got ready to head the group that would sweep through the noble districts. Yet, it was a delicate task—there are many of the nobles who still holds lots of influence, and one wrong move can stir up further unrest.

But Akin was determined. He had faced Daemon in combat; now he would face the political field would face him with the same resolve.

As the groups split to carry out their respective mission, Akin walked through the grand streets of Eldoria with intention. The city was as gorgeous as ever, but there seemed to be a sense of uneasiness that cloaked everything like mist. People were watching — Waiting to see what was going to happen next.

Akin's heart raced as they arrived in the noble district. The sprawling dwellings of the wealthiest families, towering mansions and opulent estates, loomed like mute guardians; their windows black with age and shadow. In these halls of wealth and influence, seeds of rebellion had been sown.

Akin approached the first estate, with tall walls and a grandiose gate that displayed House Maros' family crest, a family known for it's wealth and political influence. He had heard that they had sided with Daemon, but now they would be forced to answer for their treachery.

Akin knocked on the door with a firm hand, and moments later a servant opened it with a nervous expression.

"Tell Lord Maros that Akin Valion requests an audience." Akin said, his voice cold and commanding.

The servant did a quick nod before disappearing inside. The door opened again after a few minutes, this time revealing Lord Maros himself — a tall thin man with sharp features and a calculating gaze.

"Akin Valion," Maros sneered. "To What do I owe this visit?"

Akin stepped forward, his gaze unwavering. "I won't beat around the bush. Your allegiance to Daemon has been noted, Lord Maros. Now that Daemon is dead, I suggest you reconsider where your loyalty lie, unless you wish to share the same fate."

There was a momentary silence, the threat tangibly loomed between them and for an instant Maros seemed to falter. He shot a look to the soldiers behind Akin, their faces stern and ready for action. He was a man who understood power, and right now, the balance of power had shifted.

Finally, Maros nodded, his sneer fading. "Very well, Lord Akin. I see no reason to prolong… this regrettable dispute.

Akin's jaw tightened, and he gave a curt nod. "Good. You will issue a formal announcement to the other noble houses, declaring your support for my father and in his ability to bring peace and prosperity back to Elaris. Any further dissent will be deemed as an act of treason."

Maros nodded again, though Akin could tell that Maros was holding back his resentment beneath his calm exterior. But for the moment, the rebellion had been quelled — at least among the nobles.

Akin walked away feeling content, The battle for the capital was still being fought, but it had swung decisively in their favour. The hard work will now commence — re-establishing order, rebuilding trust and preparing for the battles that lie ahead.

Akin felt the weight of responsibility crush down on him, but he accepted it. This was his kingdom now, his legacy to set. And he would not let it fall.